Time to pack your summer wardrobe
From suitcases to containers, options abound for storing your warm-weather clothes
Unless you have a huge clothes closet, you’re puckering up right about now to pack away your summer fashions for another long winter. To help ease the task, Cynthia Florek, style and wardrobe consultant, Plutino Group, offers creative tips and tricks on how to put your warm-weather attire on ice until spring rolls around again.
Where? Do you have an extra closet somewhere in your home? If so, perhaps you just swap wardrobes between the two closets: simple, and a perfect option for those with the space. But those with limited closet availability might need another solution.
Items can be packed and stored in an out-of-the-way spot, such as a dry room in the basement or under the bed. However, choose your space wisely. “Store items in a dry, cool and dark place for maximum longevity and care,” suggests Florek.
How? Fold and put clothes into stackable storage bins is an option. “The best way to save space is to invest in proper storage vessels that are stackable, providing you with space-saving and protective qualities.” Florek also suggests clear containers, so you can find an item quickly if you need it before spring.
“I use suitcases,” says Florek. She recommends that first you ensure the suitcases are clean, and then line them with acid-free tissue.
Although you can “vacuum pack” items to reduce bulk, it’s not the best idea for your wardrobe. “It doesn’t allow your clothes to breathe and can trap moisture – not to mention the immense wrinkling you’ll discover in the spring when you unpack.”
Florek recommends packing as if you’re taking your clothes on vacation – fold them flat with the least number of folds, and put the lighter items on top. Some experts also suggest rolling items to save space and folds, also helping to minimize wrinkling. If your clothes are creased come spring, hang them in the bathroom, turn on the hot shower and steam them, which is easier than ironing everything.
Edit. At some point, you need to go through your wardrobe and cull what you’re no longer wearing – and there’s no better time than right now, while it’s still fresh in your mind which clothes you’ve been wearing and which never made it out of the closet all season, says Florek.
“A good rule of thumb to keep track of which items you’ve worn is to start the season by turning all your hangers with the hook side facing you. After you’ve worn a piece, hang it back up turning the hook to face away. By the end of the season, you can instantly tell which items have sat in your closet without ever being worn.”
Another good reason to edit your wardrobe now: you’re eliminating the need to fold, stack and store items you aren’t likely to wear next year, either.
Unfortunately, because they aren’t seasonal, you won’t be able to unload these pieces at a consignment store – the ones you want to cash in on will have to wait until spring. The others can be given away now to friends, family or charity.
Clean. Whether you store or give your summer stuff away, it has to be clean. Charities and consignments stores insist on it — and not even your sister wants your top with oil from your summer salad on it. Nor do you want to face looking at soiled summer clothes next season. So do a few extra loads, wipe down your shoes and make a trip to the cleaners before you store things away for the season.
Those are the obvious reasons for making sure everything is clean before you put it away. Remember, too, that the longer an item sits soiled, the harder it can be to clean. “Also, moths are attracted to everyday smells like body odour, perfumes, food and deodorant, so that’s an important reason to make sure all your items going into storage are clean,” says Florek.
Use some scents. Florek suggests cedar blocks or lavender sachets to ward off insects and keep clothes smelling fresh. “You can also use those little sachets of silica that sometimes come in new shoes or bags. These are moisture-fighting agents which can be used when you’re storing.”
What about the good stuff ? What about that beautiful dress you wore to your cousin’s wedding or your silk blouses? Those you probably don’t want to fold and store, so find a corner of your closet to keep them safe. “Invest in breathable cotton muslin or wool garment bags for optimal air flow,” says Florek. “This is especially important for higherend pieces and natural fibres.” Avoid plastic bags as they can trap moisture, turning clothes yellow and drying out fibres.